England captain Ben Stokes has changed the game of cricket in a "lot of respects", says batter Ollie Pope, as the maverick all-rounder gears up for his 100th Test appearance in a couple of days' time.
Ollie Pope embodied England's 'Bazball' making a 196 filled with sweeps, reverse sweeps and reverse scoops during the first Test, and India head coach Rahul Dravid admitted they will have to counter the unorthodox approach to make a comeback into the series.
Images from Day 2 of the second Test between India and England at Visakhapatnam.
England stuck to their gameplan in the second innings, attacking the spinners at every opportunity as the Indians came undone and clearly looked bereft of ideas.
Hurt India eye sweeping changes in approach against England's 'Bazball' in second Test
England had taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series in India but Ben Stokes and his men let the hosts draw parity in the second Test as all their batters were unable to get big scores.
James Anderson, Broad and Ollie Robinson will lead the pace attack with Moeen, who retired from tests in 2021, returning to the side after Jack Leach was ruled out of the series due to a back injury.
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 4th Test played between India and England in Ranchi on Friday.
'This is his first tour and he is travelling with me. I am excited to see him.'
Moeen has played 68 Tests, scoring over 3,000 runs and taking more than 200 wickets, as well as appearing in 129 one-day and 74 T20 internationals.
England spinner Rehan Ahmed has been added to the Ashes squad for the second Test against Australia.
Vaughan had also slammed Rohit for not being proactive during the series-opener last week.
Ravichandran Ashwin said shutting out external noises was integral for his success in the varied Indian conditions.
England's sportsmanship came into question during the Ranchi Test as Ben Foakes claimed he caught Yashasvi Jaiswal that was deemed not out by the third umpire.
Tongue is the only change to the side that lost the first Ashes Test
While England boast a formidable attacking threat, there are concerns about their defence which is perhaps why Southgate is prepared to look at new candidates before he has to make his final call for the tournament.
India will be looking for another favorable result to extend their lead in the World Test Championships standings.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho scored with a magical overhead kick in the third minute to send the visitors on their way to a 3-0 victory over an Everton team already reeling in their first Premier League game after being docked 10 points.
For the first time in a men's Test, England went into the match with a lone fast bowler in Mark Wood, opting for a spin-heavy attack instead, which included debutant Tom Hartley.
Bumrah became the fastest Indian pacer to pick 150+ wickets in long-format cricket during the second day of the India-England Test match in Visakhapatnam.
England head coach Brendon McCullum said they will have to do some deep thinking about their approach after being "exposed" in the final four matches in India but is convinced their first series defeat under his watch will make them a better side.
Jasprit Bumrah's throbbing afternoon spell on the second day of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam on Saturday made former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly advocating for sporting pitches rather than preparing rank turners.
England pace legend Stuart Broad lauded former teammate James Anderson for becoming the first-ever pacer to complete 700 Test wickets, saying that one should "marvel at his skill" besides talking about his dedication and mental resilience.
He also had encouraging words for young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who picked up only two wickets in Hyderabad.
Images from Day 3 of the fifth and final Test between India and England in Dharamsala on Saturday.
England's Pope will play on after shoulder injury, coach says
Australia's bowlers struck twice in quick succession in a devastating spell against England at Edgbaston on Sunday, before heavy rain prevented any further play.
Ben Duckett's hundred overshadowed Ravichandran Ashwin's monumental feat as England stormed to 207/2 at stumps on Day 2.
Images from Day 4 of the second Test between India and England in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
Images from Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday
'Earlier, if I have thought about taking six wickets, it has never worked for me. I have a lot of deliveries and you can confuse yourself. You need to shut that noise and focus on the next ball.'
Rajat Patidar, who made his ODI debut in South Africa last year, has emerged as the front-runner over Sarfaraz Khan for a spot in India's middle-order for the second Test.
Ashwin retains No 1 spot, Bumrah moves to 4th in ICC rankings
Opener Rajat Patidar smashed an unbeaten fifty, while Manav Suthar took three wickets as India 'A' displayed a collective effort
The lack of multiple entry India visa had delayed Rehan Ahmed's exit from the airport after England arrived in Rajkot for the third Test on Monday.
Alongside old war horses James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Matthew Potts, Saqib Mahmood, Ollie Robinson, Sam Curran and Olly Stone are also likely to fight for a place in the team for the Ashes, which will begin with the first Test at Edgbaston on June 16.
Colombian super-sub Jhon Duran scored two late goals as Aston Villa salvaged a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool.
After India registered a remarkable victory against England in the second Test, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal said that it was one of the best moments to win a match for the country and mentioned that they were focusing on their processes.
England have had injury problems in the lead-up to the Ashes, with fast bowler Jofra Archer ruled out of the series and fellow quick James Anderson sidelined with a groin strain.
Young turks Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill made the difference with the bat, while Jasprit Bumrah was devastating with the ball.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances